Technology
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Staff Training in the Computer Lab |
Los
Alamitos continues to be a leader in the integration of technology. It was the
first elementary school in SJUSD to have a technology use plan (TUP) approved;
and that plan has served as a model for other schools in the district.
COMPUTER LAB
Our school is equipped with a large computer lab which assures all students
(scheduled by class) have access to classroom instruction in technology; each
student has a networked computer station and internet access. Additionally,
every classroom is equipped with a minimum of two computers, CD Rom, and
internet access technologies. Large screen presentation stations are located
in the lab, library and available to teachers. Printing is supported by
black/white and color lasers that are connected through our local area
network.
INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO CURRICULUM
Daily
integration of technology into the curriculum may include, but is not limited
to: word processing and publishing, language development activities
(especially for Kindergarten, ELD, below grade level students RSP
classes); research, reinforcement and enrichment in all curricular areas. All
students have access to our on line library system and multiple research
stations housed in the library. Students are introduced to the nuances of
technology and ultimately employ technology as a tool for learning across the
curriculum.
Teachers plan projects with the Technology Coordinator. Such project based activities follow a continuum
based on the SJUSD technology proficiencies at each grade level. For example,
in 4th grade, students may be involved in simulated truck driving experiences
across the state of California to learn geography and mapping skills; use data
base research for rainforest and native California studies, create a travel
brochure on California explorers; and create a multimedia slide show of their
respective California mission reports. The GATE (gifted and talented) students in 4th prepare a
newspaper of the Gold Rush era to share with other students. All upper grade
students are also involved in the Accelerated Reader Program (a computer based
reading comprehension program) which was first co-piloted by our school and is
now being used in several schools throughout the district. At each grade level
similar articulation has and is continually being developed.
ROBOTICS
Los Alamitos is a pioneer in the area of elementary school robotics.
More than half of our 4th and 5th grade students are participating in the
international robotics FIRST LEGO League. This is NOT a school-based
program nor a school supported program but is solely sponsored by our
PTA. Learn more about Los Alamitos' Robotics.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
A technical assistant and parnet volunteers is responsible for all software
and hardware upgrades, maintenance of all school equipment, trouble shooting
hardware and software problems, as well as purchasing new hardware and
software. The district provides a Help Desk service to teachers when the
on-site people are not available. This resource team continually updates the
teachers skills by providing on-site workshops (such as e-mail, internet,
AppleWorks, and new software as it becomes available). These are given when
indicated through teacher survey. Information is disseminated to teachers
informing them of District wide classes, various conferences and workshop
offered through companies such as National and Adobe. Training as needed is
also available to parents so they might better assist teachers in the
classroom and lab. This school years PTA Technology Coordinator is Mike
Thompson
NETWORKS
The school has a local area network (LAN) which extends to every
classroom and curricular area and reaches to the outside world through its own
ISDN line as well as it's connection to the districts area network (WAN). We
are converting to Ethernet for faster access. The server allows for the
sharing of data and projects anywhere in the school and is used for
collaboration between schools also. Using the school's TUP as a guide,
hardware and software come under constant review in relation to upgrade and/or
replacement.
WEBSITE
Los Alamitos' Website was launched in the fall of 1999. The site is
maintained by the PTA, and the information comes from our parents and staff.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Many parents at Los Alamitos are
technology professionals or are employed in technological fields. Our
collective school community connections made such things possible last year as
high-tech oriented classroom presentations, industry booths at the family
science night from IBM and Altera Corporation, expert industry judges for the
fifth grade science fair, and engineering mentors for our FIRST Lego League
Robotics teams from Adept, NASA Ames Labs, and Society of Professional Women
Engineers.
Silicon Valley's Tech Museum of Innovation is less than 10 miles from Los
Alamitos. Fieldtrips to the museum give our students unique, hands-on
opportunities that enrich their classroom learning immeasurably. Visit the Website for the Tech Museum.
FUNDING
Funding for technology is outlined in the TUP plan. It is supported by the
SIP and PTA budgets as well as various technology fund raisers such as gift
wrap sales and baseball proceeds from San Jose Giants games. Working with the
community to find matching grant sources is an on going process. The community
is informed and updated through newsletters and through participation several
times a year in open technology nights.
ON-LINE TECH RESOURCES
Los Alamitos has compiled a comprehensive list of technical resources and
other learning resources that are available on-line. Visit our
Educational
Links page to see the lists for students, parents and educators.
